Feminizing Anthropology: Winifred Hoernlé

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Questions and Answers

What is the main criticism of the exhibition in the Social Anthropology Department at the University of the Witwatersrand?

It focuses too much on contemporary anthropologists.

It includes too many portraits of white men.

It lacks sufficient theoretical contributions.

It ignores the contributions of women to anthropology. (correct)

What does Ruth Behar highlight about the canon in anthropology?

It is similar to the literary canon in its dominance of works by men. (correct)

It includes a wide range of cultural perspectives.

It has evolved significantly due to recent changes.

It predominantly features works by women.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an intellectual figure in the exhibition?

Winifred Hoernlé

Margaret Mead (correct)

Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown

David Hammond-Tooke

What does Virginia Woolf's quote in the introduction question?

The exclusivity of historical biographies. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the author attribute to the founding intellectuals of the department?

They were instrumental in establishing the field in South Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What was the context in which female anthropologists began to gain recognition in the late 20th century?

Increased scrutiny of male-dominated narratives in anthropology. Signup and view all the answers

What does Winifred Tucker Hoernlé's quote suggest about collaboration?

It can lead to new and exciting opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What theme does the content predominantly engage with?

The underappreciation of women’s roles in anthropology. Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with establishing social anthropology as a professional discipline in South Africa?

Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Radcliffe-Brown primarily contribute to South African anthropology?

Structural-functionalism Signup and view all the answers

How long did Radcliffe-Brown serve as a professor and head of the social anthropology department at the University of Cape Town?

Five years Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Radcliffe-Brown's aims in promoting anthropology to various audiences?

To assert anthropology as a science Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the contributions of women anthropologists in South Africa is correct?

They made major contributions to a distinctive South African voice in anthropology. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the methods Radcliffe-Brown used to promote anthropology?

Writing articles for newspapers Signup and view all the answers

How is Andrew Bank's scholarship characterized in relation to South African anthropology?

It offers a much-needed revision to its history. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of social anthropology did Radcliffe-Brown largely derive from Durkheim?

Understanding of society and kinship Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction: Rethinking the Canon

The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg features a hallway adorned with framed portraits of "intellectual forefathers" who have significantly influenced the Social Anthropology Department. This collection serves as a visual representation of the department's legacy and its historical figures, yet it simultaneously raises questions about the inclusivity of this representation.
Despite the contributions of women to the establishment and development of the department, the exhibition predominantly showcases male figures, indicating a substantial gender imbalance. This skewed representation emphasizes the need to examine not only who is celebrated within academia but also whose contributions are overlooked or forgotten.
The text underscores the critical issue of women's underrepresentation in the historical narrative of anthropology, especially within the specific context of South Africa. This highlights a broader trend in academic history where women's roles in various disciplines have been marginalized, casting doubt on the completeness and accuracy of the historical record.

Feminizing the Foundational Narrative: The Collaborative Anthropology of Winifred Tucker Hoernlé (1885–1960)

The prevailing historical account of anthropology in South Africa often revolves around the figure of Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown (1881-1955), who is celebrated as a key "founding father." This narrative tends to overshadow the significant contributions made by women, including Winifred Tucker Hoernlé, whose collaborative work deserves equal recognition.
Radcliffe-Brown played a pivotal role in establishing social anthropology as a contemporary, structured, and professional discipline at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 1921. His influence extended throughout the academic community, and his methodologies have shaped many subsequent anthropological approaches within South Africa and beyond.
Notably, he was a prominent advocate for structural-functionalism, a theoretical framework that seeks to understand society through its various institutions and their functions. Radcliffe-Brown was instrumental in promoting the idea of a "sociological method," suggesting that anthropology could adopt a scientific rigor similar to that found in the natural sciences, thus enhancing its credibility and academic standing.

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Description

Explore the contributions of Winifred Tucker Hoernlé to the field of anthropology in South Africa, challenging the male-dominated narrative. Learn about the implications of her work and the historical context in which she operated. This quiz sheds light on the essential role women played in the development of social anthropology.